The 24-year-old midfielder has entered the final year of his current deal at Villa Park.

A £6million signing from Leeds United in 2009, Delph has spent five years trying to establish himself in the Premier League.

His top-flight outings for Villa have increased steadily over the last three seasons, with Paul Lambert now considering the former England Under-21 international to be a key man.

Delph is delighted to have finally seen his potential unlocked and, despite the uncertainty regarding the ownership of Villa as Randy Lerner attempts to find a buyer, insists he remains fully committed to the cause.

He told a Q&A session with supporters: “I feel like I went missing for a few years and that’s not something I’m happy with.

“The owner has been brilliant. He’s always believed in me and every time I’ve seen him he’s been nothing but positive.

“I’d love to sign a new deal and am ready to talk, but it’s not up to me, so we’ll have to see.”

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?